Porto in Portugal

Porto is a delightful city with a laidback vibe, nestled at the mouth of Douro River, which spills into the Atlantic Ocean on Portugal’s western coast. Navigated on foot, tram, and funicular, Porto’s medieval hillside neighborhoods charm with cobbled streets flanked by old merchant houses and fountained squares. Apart from colorful facades adorned with art deco accents, there are Baroque churches, including one with an iconic bell tower, a gothic-style bookstore, and the ornate Stock Exchange Palace to discover. Azulejos and graffiti adorn public spaces, and refreshing contemporary architecture complements Porto’s edgy soul. Being the birthplace of the world-renowned port, and located near a historic port, Porto offers up wonderful gastronomic experiences. With expansive views stretching to Gaia in the distance, the waterfront Ribeira district with its chic rooftop bars and heritage restaurants is worth a visit. Porto’s six bridges, each with unique backstories, and leisurely river cruises afford superb vantages of the picture-postcard cityscape.